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Bio

Kim Bearden is the cofounder, executive director, and language arts teacher at the highly acclaimed Ron Clark Academy, an innovative middle school and educator training facility in Atlanta. More than 145,000 educators from around the world have visited Kim’s classroom and attended her dynamic workshops to learn better ways to engage students, foster creativity, promote academic excellence, and create a climate and culture where all children thrive.

Known for her practical wisdom, contagious energy, and deep belief in the power of relationships, Kim equips educators with tools to build meaningful connections, raise achievement, and create classrooms where everyone feels seen, valued, and inspired to succeed.

Kim’s work has earned national acclaim. She has been honored at the White House, inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame, and recognized with the Disney American Teacher Award and the Milken Family Foundation Award for Excellence in Education. She was named one of Georgia’s Most Powerful and Influential Women by Women Works Media Group and received the University of Georgia’s Outstanding Educator Award. Throughout her career, Kim has been celebrated for her servant leadership, unwavering character, and lasting impact on students, educators, and communities across the nation.

Kim’s journey has included roles as a teacher, instructional lead, curriculum director, principal, and even a school board member—but at her core, she is and always will be a teacher. She is also the bestselling author of Fight Song, Talk to Me, Crash Course, and The House Where We Belong. Her newest release, I Really Need You to Hear This, is a powerful collection of poetry written from the perspective of students—reminding all of us why our work matters so deeply.

Keynote Topics

Keynote #1 : Fight Song
6 Steps to Passion, Power, Peace, and Purpose

In most lives there is a moment when we need to rise through our pain, through self-doubt, fear, and mistrust, and reconnect with who we are meant to be. Kim is an award-winning educator of 34 years, but she is also a wife and mother of four children. Perfect for motivating others, this speech will focus on ways to overcome feeling overwhelmed, overworked, and underappreciated. Through the use of her own personal journey and how she overcame tragedy, betrayal, heartbreak, and pain, Kim will help audience members realize their influence, strength, and worth. Kim's heartwarming and thought-provoking anecdotes serve as compassionate, humorous reminders that it is possible to find power within our most painful moments—that in fact, these experiences are the root of our power, truth, and self-acceptance. The blend of personal, professional, and pedagogical anecdotes in addition to Kim's 6 steps engage participants searching for a balance between their lives and their hearts.

Keynote #2: Talk to Me
Find the Right Words to Inspire, Encourage, and Get Things Done

This presentation is for those who wish to improve their communication skills and rapport with others. Through the use of stories and scenarios, Kim will share 6 principles for effective communication that will empower participants to be considerate, yet strong; they will learn how to stand firm and still support others. Participants will leave with tools that will help them develop rapport, gain respect, support others, engage listeners, develop insight, and increase productivity.

Call or text Neal at (720) 498 -3275 or email neal@infinitespeakers.com to place a calendar hold or book Kim for your upcoming annual conference today.